Wishlist has collected gifts for patients staying in hospital during the festive season for years, but in 2022 when Kerri Cavanagh joined the team, Christmas was changed forever.
While we already received many donations each Christmas, Kerri saw an opportunity to expand the operation.
“After my first Christmas at Wishlist, I knew that we could do better,” Wishlist Administration Officer and our Mrs Claus, Kerri said.
“I knew we could go bigger and help everyone in all the different hospitals from Gympie to Caloundra and collect enough so we can continue to use items for the next 12 months.
“There was a lot more people in need than we were ever aware of, and a lot of families impacted over Christmas from patients being in hospital.”
Kerri called businesses and community groups from across the Sunshine Coast to see who could help make Christmas even better for patients and their families.
“It seemed to have a bit of a flow on effect where one hears about another helping out and they just want to give back as well,” Kerri said.
“It has its own way of getting a hold of everyone and takes on its own life.”
This year, 15 businesses and community groups have collected gifts to donate to Wishlist, and Kerri expects to have thousands of presents to hand out on Christmas Day.
“This Christmas is just going leaps and bounds, it’s actually exceeding my expectations,” Kerri said.
Kerri even comes in on Christmas Day to help volunteers give out gifts to patients staying at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital.
“I’ve roped in family members as well now, we get a wonderful group of volunteers, we all come in on Christmas Day, fill up our trolleys and head off to different wards.”
Thank you to the generosity of the Sunshine Coast community for all the gifts we have received this Christmas, and to Kerri for making all of this possible.
